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Various Artists

All Good People (An Evening of Music From Yes Fans)

Review by Gary Hill

This disc is an interesting compilation. The only tie that binds all these musicians is that they are Yes fans who post to the AOL Yes Bulletin Board. The music on here ranges from fairly straightforward rock to jazz oriented strains and avant-garde. All in all, it is an intriguing release that features a very nice booklet. To get this disc (a CDR) send an email to Michael Medley at Zappaq@aol.com. The disc is a mere $5, and that includes shipping.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: The Early Years Volume 2 at garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-The-Early-Years.

Track by Track Review
Torn Deptula-E Minor
Elegant, intricate and lush keyboard textures begin this piece in a rather Wakemanesque tone. As the number continues, it builds with bells punctuating at times. It then takes a darker turn with ominous tones emerging. Then the cut changes gear completely, becoming fast paced, retro rock. The keyboard sound is just a bit cheesy, but it can't take away from the magnificence of the first segment of the number. It just keeps growing and reinventing as it continues in this faster paced mode, becoming something very strong.

Bob Ross - Mr. Plod's Helmet
Frantic jazz modes begin this cut which seems to combine traditional jazz elements with the jazzier weirdness of classic Crimson. This is fusion oriented prog instrumental mayhem that really jams.

Torn Deptula-E Minor
 Elegant, intricate and lush keyboard textures begin this piece in a rather Wakemanesque tone. As the number continues, it builds with bells punctuating at times. It then takes a darker turn with ominous tones emerging. Then the cut changes gear completely, becoming fast paced, retro rock. The keyboard sound is just a bit cheesy, but it can't take away from the magnificence of the first segment of the number. It just keeps growing and reinventing as it continues in this faster paced mode, becoming something very strong.

Matthew Piaker - December Light
This is essentially a pretty acoustic guitar dominated instrumental that seems to merge elements of the two prog guitar Steves - Howe and Hackett. This is a pretty number that just keeps evolving.

Michael Medley -Into the Fifth World
Neo-classical tones begin this cut in chaotic form. The dissonant cacophony builds gradually. Eventually it gives way to an orchestral sort of sound, music that could easily be the soundtrack to an epic adventure film of the Old World. This one changes musical modes quite a bit while maintaining one theme. I keep wanting to see the movie, though. The ending segments take on a very cool electronic tone that really sets a nice mood.

Matthew Brown - In The Garden
This is a beautiful and evocative mellow number with classical overtones.

Chris Hosford - Welcome to Blockbuster
This cut is definitely different. It is a techno sort of weirdness that pretty much defies description. Certainly not for everyone, but it is quite interesting.

Paul Williams- Church of Hed
Kraftwerkian keyboard textures begin this cut. It becomes very fusion oriented, and is a strong number.

Kevin Caffrey - Forgive
Beginning with acoustic guitar, this cut is a solid melodic rock piece that is very accessible. The instrumental outro is especially strong, and just a little Yesish.

Jim Geiger - Espionage
Funky and creative, this is an energetic and intriguing cut that features some wonderful jamming (at times in an eastern mode). This one really works well, and is one of the standouts on the disc.

Tom Strasbaugh - Dinner and Aftermusik
This is a pretty classically oriented keyboard instrumental.
Jim Silvestri - Excerpts From No Fanfare for A Fallen King
Starting with an Warr guitar that sounds rather like acoustic guitar in a rather droning mode, this cut starts to take on progish elements quickly. It seems to nearly stop, to be reborn in a less melodic and more frantic Crimsonesque style. After this segment, the composition is recreated again, this time in textural tones. It begins to build from there working in progish directions until its conclusion.

Stan Hendrix - Music Man
An acoustic guitar driven rock ballad, this one features some nice guitar riffing. It also includes a potent electrified section in an arena rock mode.

Siberian Kazoo- Da Party
This short cut features kazoo playing and laughter.

 
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